Whitney Institute Middle School will be in operation for classes this term but will open two days later then other public schools.

In a press statement the Minister of Education, Randolph Horton informed the parents and students of Whitney that, following consultation with all parties involved that the school will open its doors to welcome students for the new school year next week Wednesday, two days later than previously scheduled.

He said: "At this time, the Minister and the Ministry of Education would like to thank the Minister and Ministry of Works and Engineering and their construction subcontractors and the Board of Trustees, Administration, faculty and staff of the Whitney Institute, for working tirelessly over the summer to prepare the physical plant of the Whitney Institute to accept students for this upcoming school term.

"As we all recall, following meetings this summer between the Ministry of Education, the Whitney Board of Trustees and the Whitney Parent Teachers Association, the collective decision was made that the Whitney Institute would open and accept students for the 2008/09 school year following specific renovations to selected building throughout the campus.

"That work is near completion and an additional allowance of 48 hours has been extended by the Ministry to the Whitney Institute Administration, faculty and staff to prepare their individual classrooms and administrative offices for the start of the new school year."

The school trustees had threatened to close the school down for health and safety reasons in May.

The 125-year-old school — which was said to be riddled with problems including rats, termites, falling light fixtures, no fire alarms and faulty wiring — had been declared unsafe by the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

However, after concerned parents and staff met with the officials and demanded a resolve, Minister Horton announced an agreement had been reached which ensured the school's doors re-open this month.

A $1.5 million summer renovation package was promised to make safe the building, with all classrooms to comply with Government health and safety standards.

Whitney will now open next Wednesday with the rest of the public schools opening on Monday.